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Franken-panels Vs. Multi-Swaps
pinballwizard79:
Frankenpanels are cool if thought out well (in my book at least). I prefer em to modular panels but thats just me, do what YOU like :cheers:
Notice how the high score thread here doesnt have Tron, Defender, Stargate or DOT? Bummer... Also it must suck to be one of those guys stuck playing pacman with an 8 way.
If you want to play all the games go whatever route gives you what you want be it modular/swappable or a frankenpanel.
D_Harris:
When I posed the original question I didn't really think about how others go about making their panels, so here is a set up I did for a couple of my friends.
One MiniPAC is all that is needed. The MiniPAC is enclosed in a small project box in between the PC and the control panel. It connects to the front of the control panel via a DB37 cable. This way any number of control panels can be built for use with it as long as a female DB37 connector is attached to the outside of the CP.
Now my set up, which is still unfinished, involves my two arcade(Williams) cabinets(Joust and Robotron) with monitor orientations covering vertical and horizontal respectively. And also my MAME pedestal near my PC.
The swing-down controls panel on these cabinets have been modified into two parts. The base and the control panel to. I can unlock it by pressing two buttons on the front corners of any of the five CP tops for it. This allows me to just swing the entire assembly down and swap before pushing it back up where it will lock automatically.(This is my "Quick-Swap" control panel system).
There is no need to manually connect anything because there are phosphor bronze contacts that come together whenever any of the control panels are dropped into place.
These same control panels(which I will build a special shelf for) fit into the MAME pedestal the same way.
Since I'm a classic gamer all games are covered since I don't play games with analog controls on MAME. (I have actual Pole Position, Millipede, Star Wars and Star Trek arcade games for that).
Darren Harris
Staten Island, New York.
Xiaou2:
I dont think many people make the realization that if one wanted something like 6 swappable panels, thats pretty much going to take up another cabinet worth of space just to store them... especially if you want easy quick access (such as an open shelf system).
Then of course you also have to consider that there is going to be many duplicated parts. 10 times the amount of buttons, 4x the joysticks, and all kinds of other expenses.
For me, its about convenience, not cost, not space, not even time of swapping.
Sawpping panels is sort of like changing your summer tires over for winter tires. Its a pain in the butt that you would rather not do, if you didnt have to.
Except that with changing tires, its only once a year... and not every 2 games you play.
TopJimmyCooks:
I am interested in the bronze pressure contacts - good way to swap. Can you post any pictures of this? Thanks.
Nephasth:
--- Quote from: TopJimmyCooks on May 28, 2011, 01:16:02 pm ---I am interested in the bronze pressure contacts - good way to swap. Can you post any pictures of this? Thanks.
--- End quote ---
+1 Would love to see this.